After the long Memorial Day weekend, physicians, nurses, lab techs and other healthcare professionals are looking forward to their summer vacations.  That might be a weekend at the beach, a week in the mountains or a longer trip to Europe, the Caribbean or an unusual foreign destination.

In any case, it’s important for healthcare professionals to take a break from the stresses of their demanding jobs.  That includes taking a break from emails, texts and voice messages (as much as possible).  It means spending time with friends and loved ones, enjoying your hobbies and giving yourself some quality time for a change. 

Many people don’t realize that Americans are among the hardest working people on the planet.  According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), Americans spend 137 more hours per year on the job than Japanese workers, 260 more hours than British workers, and 499 more hours than French workers.  Overall, U.S., workers average 13 days off per year, while in workers in France and Finland receive 30 paid days of vacation every year.  That hard-working spirit is a good thing for the U.S., as our level of productivity generally surpasses production in European countries.

But Americans pay the price on an individual level.  After all, stress is a leading cause of health problems, contributing to a host of physical and emotional problems.  Constant worrying can hinder the body’s ability to fight off disease, lead to insomnia and sap the energy and enthusiasm needed to provide exceptional patient care.  While there are plenty of remedies to reduce stress on a daily basis - including exercise, relaxation techniques and breathing exercises - there’s no substitute for taking time off the job.  So, recharge your batteries this summer and enjoy your time off whenever you take a vacation.

If you’re considering a career in healthcare, take a look at becoming a physician assistant (PA).  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is expected to grow much faster than average, and job opportunities for PAs should be particularly strong in rural and inner-city healthcare facilities.

There are two key reasons that physicians, hospitals and other healthcare institutions are expected to hire more PAs in the next decade. The first is growing overall demand for healthcare services with the continued aging of the 77 million Boomer generation. The second is productivity. By providing primary care services and assisting with medical and surgical procedures, PAs help physicians make better use of their time.

In general, PAs are valued members of an organization’s healthcare team, providing diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive services under the direction of a physician.  PAs must complete an accredited education program and pass a national exam to obtain a license, and many professionals have college degrees and other healthcare experience.

While the exact duties vary from employer to employer, PAs typically take medical histories and examine patients. They may order laboratory and radiology tests and make diagnoses. Many PAs can treat minor injuries as well. They advise patients and may be able to prescribe some medications.

Recognizing their importance to the healthcare system, many states are allowing PAs to take on more responsibilities under their licensing programs.  In medically underserved areas, such as rural communities and urban clinics, PAs may become the principal providers of healthcare services.  They may consult with physicians via regular meetings or phone or video conferences as needed.  As a well-established healthcare staffing provider, All Medical Personnel is continually seeking qualified PAs for potential assignments, and we invite you to explore these career opportunities.